Dear Family and Friends,
So this week, I'll have to type super fast, because I've spent most of my time.... Already in individual emails... (^.^;) But it's been a super great week. And one that I've learned a lot from. Lots of awesome people here in Hachioji, including the two missionaries assigned as traveling assistants, Elder Rockwood and Elder McCarty. And then the Zone Leaders, and our beloved Sister Training Leader, and then our District leader, and all the awesome missionaries in Hachioji Ward. There's ten of us. :) wow. I wonder what my home Ward would do with ten missionaries. ^.^ I would really like to see that someday. I think the Elders in my home Ward are doing a spectacular job. And the Sisters. So, this last week, we've been really trying to get out and do our missionary work. This last week, however, I hadn't been feeling too well, so we spent quite a bit inside, calling people, and making a Bible Class flyer, etc. But we found an area I haven't housed yet, and that is exciting. We go by bus. Yay public transit. So the highlight of my week had to be Saturday through Sunday. We had district meeting, and he traveling assistants gave a great training on finding those that will receive you. Specifically, the part about counseling with the Lord in all my doings. Alma 37:37. And having Him direct where I go. And then talk to those on the streets there, knowing that those who are prepared will be in my path. And then, Stake conference. We got to Machida Church building a little later than expected, but then we practiced for this week's zone meeting. (We, as the sisters, are doing a musical number, so we did practice.) and then, I see the Bishop from my last Ward pushing his son over to see me, like, "look who's here!" kind of thing! It made me so happy to see the Bishop and his family again. And then on Sunday, I also got to see and talk to Suzuki Kyoudai and his mother, Suzuki Shimai. I love them soooo much! What will I ever do without them around. Well, that's about all for this email. There was a wonderful Baptism in Hachioji Ward yesterday night. He is awesome, too. Love you all, Sister Blake Pictures 1- the picture after the baptism. So many Ward members came! He's sitting in the front row of chairs, with the whitish jacket. His wife, who has been a member from a few years before, is on his left. Nakazawa bishop is on his right, with the RS President (sister Kitahara) right next to him. 2- we went to McDonalds today. :) mmmm. Dear Family and Friends,
(T^T) Tears. All the tears. Oh, how I miss Kofu! I made the transfer on a train with half of the Elders from Kofu (who were transferring) so it was sort of a good parting, but still sad. Today, we had temple Pday and so we were at the temple, and I'm still in the same zone, so many of the Kofu missionaries were there. When I saw them, Kaizaki Shimai who took my place in Kou made the comment,"You're amazing! All the members were saying how sad they are that you transferred." And that... Just made me sad. I miss them. So much. Four transfers there. That's almost six months. I was there for so long, and now I'm trying to move on, but I'm feeling a little homesick for Kofu. Today, what an experience! Well, you know how we always went by bus to the Temple from Kofu, because going by train is too expensive and too long. But going by train today! Whoa, SO MANY PEOPLE! If you've ever seen Panda go Panda, you'll know there's a scene in the first episode where they're trying to fit papa Panda into the train. Well,it felt like that. They must've been fitting two to three hundred people on that one car I was on. We had a little space, and then we hit a certain station, and suddenly, I was shoved into a sandwich of people. .... 気まずい…… And it was like that until we got to Shinjuku station and everyone got off. >.< there were times when I couldn't stand straight on my feet, so basically I could only lean completely on the people packed against me. Wow. What an experience! So, there was a lot of good things in this last week. Let me name a few. We got to meet with a less active awesome mother who randomly called us on Tuesday, asked us if we could meet on Wednesday for a lesson, and when I gave her my calling card the next day, and told her I was transferring, she was just like, "wow, it's a good thing we met today!" The lesson was good. I'm really grateful to her, too. :) she's so awesome! Love her! After that, there was English Class. A girl we began lessons with found out I was transferring, and even in her super busy preparing for exams schedule, she came after English Class to say goodbye to me! I was sooooo happy!! I hoped I could see her again before transferring. Also, the thing that really got me the most was after English Class was over, the Bishop, and the Ward Mission Leader, and a few others who were there at the church for a meeting came in to say goodbye to the missionaries who were transferring! ;_; Man, goodbye is the hardest thing. It is so good that I know there's more chances I have that I can meet them. Lastly, I can see them again in Heaven, so that is exciting! Now, I'm in Hachioji. The first day I was here, it felt strange that I was here to stay. I've stayed overnight at the Hachioji apartment so many times for companion exchanges, and other things, but it was strange that I was now to call this place "home". It started at Auntie Anne's pretzel bakery with Sister Brox and Sister Hotu. Sister Brox is now in Hodogaya! One of my past areas! But before she took off, we ate lunch/my breakfast together. Well, then we had weekly planning, the planning session that starts every transfer. Well, let's just say that Sister Hotu and I go way back, to the MTC! Haha, it's interesting, really! I couldn't believe it, but when I looked at the missionary roster, I saw that Sister Hurlbut (my MTC companion) and Sister Jolley (Sister Hotu's MTC companion) are also companions this transfer! (Shout out for Doki! (The people who came together to Japan on the same day, and studied at the MTC during the same time are called "Doki")) I miss so many people. But I will work hard here in Hachioji! It's a big Ward! It's got so many people. And there's a lot of awesome people we're working with. Big hopes! High heads! I have so much to learn from Sister Hotu. We're so alike! I really am excited for this transfer,too! Love you all, Sister Blake 1- that's me and Sister Clark finding our friends in Heaven. 2- awesome English Class family. ^.^ 3- one of the pictures I love, 虹 (rainbow) Dear Family and Friends, Dear Family and Friends, |
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January 2019
Sister Blake
"You are hereby called to serve in the Japan Tokyo South Mission." Categories |